Office politics: why work shoes should make a point

Even Victoria Beckham, who once famously said 'I can’t concentrate in flats’, has come down to earth. Choosing to forgo further collaborations with Manolo Blahnik (no easy decision), she’s pairing many of her office-appropriate pieces with self-designed winkle-pickers (see picture above). We can take much away from her pointy footwear panache.

The elongated style adds a sharp contrast to the simplest trouser cuts, and paired with mid-length skirts and dresses it draws the eye down the body as a wonderful leg lengthener.

Those allergic to chunky footwear will find much to like in the resurrected slingback style (we have Chanel to thank). As with embellished flats, these should be worn without tights to highlight the full design.

Preppy dressers can take comfort in the fact the loafer is enjoying a new heyday courtesy of Alessandro Michele’s 'geek chic’ vision at Gucci. Black leather pairs with gold hardware are the ultimate throw-on-and-go shoe to wear nonchalantly with everything this season; while richer shades make for a bookish addition to pleats.

Four key styles to invest in for autumn:

1. This season’s 'It’ flat; let the horsebit detail on loafers peep out underneath wide strides and structured knitwear.

Leather Jordan loafer, £490, Gucci

2. A slingback adds a feminine flourish to pencil skirts and pussy-bow blouses. Stick to clean lines to avoid looking mumsy.

Suede Maira slingback flats, £195, LK Bennett

3. Mono is a top choice for the city slicker; slip on with black cigarette pants and crew-neck knits or utilitarian shirts. Carry just a document pouch to keep in line with this pared-down look.

Nicholas Kirkwood leather point-toe flats, £450, Net-a-Porter

4. Go for embellishment to give tried-and-tested workwear personality. Team with shirts and pinafores to ease your way in.

Snake print leather Tantrum flats, £215, Russell & Bromley